Introduction
Released in 1932 and named after the cross that the Calatrava Knights paraded around Spain and Portugal during the 12th and 13th centuries, the Patek Philippe Calatrava was released as a simple timepiece with broad appeal that would help secure Patek Philippe's finances following Jean and Charles Henri Stern's investment in the brand in the same year. Designed with a strict Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic in mind, the Calatrava used, and continues to use, simplicity as its means of establishing intrigue around the craftsmanship required to construct such a stunning timepiece. Without a complicated movement or a busy design, collectors gravitate towards the Calatrava's clean aesthetic and practicality, and the ref. 2481J that we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1950, the ref. 2481 was a largest version of the Calatrava ever produced at the time with a 37mm case instead of the 32mm typically used. Still practical for a modern collector, the ref. 2481J, or “King Size” as it was known merges the Calatrava's original design brief in its purest form with a diameter that contemporary collectors can enjoy to this very day.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch and Service Pouch
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Calatrava "King Size"
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 27SC
Reference
2481J
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1950
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch and service pouch
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Boasting a bright silver dial with applied gold hour markers and sharp gold hands, this example's display is immediately understated and wonderfully classical.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Nicknamed the "King Size' due to its massive (by mid-century standards) 37mm diameter 18kt yellow gold case, the ref. 2481J was the largest Calatrava variant ever launched when it debuted in 1950. Today, it makes for a wonderfully wearable dress watch.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The watch has been recently fully serviced by Patek Philippe, and while the case has been sympathetically polished, there remain some signs of previous dings and marks. A service sticker is present on the case back. The dial and hands remain near mint. It is fitted with a new black Patek alligator strap and a yellow gold buckle. Comes complete with service pouch and service info card. The watch was returned from Patek sealed in the plastic bag which was cut open for the images.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
While its dial is beautiful, the ref. 2481J's construction is what makes it so special, with its 37mm diameter and stepped lugs combining to give this watch a unique profile on the wrist that other 1950s dress watches can't even compare to.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
